Gypsy
This is a self-initiated work, one of a series of portraits that I have started recently. I have chosen to work on portraits because I was curious to know what can, and what cannot, be said within the boundaries of the chosen medium—edge-glued paper strips and material— and if it is possible to successfully convey meaning and emotions. And what is more challenging than a person’s face?

The additional photographs of Gypsy show the paper art from varying angles.

Cherry Blossom
This piece was commissioned by a fragrance brand whose product’s aroma featured a summery, cherry scent. My task was to create an atmosphere of summer with flowers, cherries, and bright, sunny colours.

Shopping
This paper illustration was part of a promotional campaign for a shopping mall in Hong Kong. Besides this key design, the project included the animation and exhibition of my work, as well as custom-made installations.

sP: What or who influenced this project?
YB: Traditional gypsy culture.

sP: What were you reading/listening to/watching while developing this project?
YB: N/A.

Yulia Brodskaya, born in 1983, is a highly regarded paper artist and illustrator. She uses two simple materials—paper and glue, and a simple technique that involves the placement of carefully cut and bent strips of paper—to make lush, vibrant, three-dimensional paper artworks.

Brodskaya started working as a graphic designer and illustrator in 2006, however quickly abandoned the computer programs in favor of paper art: “Paper always held a special fascination for me. I’ve tried many different methods and techniques of working with it, until I found the way that has turned out to be ‘the one’ for me: now I draw with paper instead of on it.”

Soon after discovering her passion and unique style, Brodskaya has swiftly earned an international reputation for her innovative paper illustrations and was named the ‘breakthrough star’ of the 2009 by Creative review magazine. Her modern take on the paper craft practice has helped her build an impressive list of clients in just a few short years, from Hermès to Starbucks to Godiva, Target, Sephora, The New York Times Magazine and many others (more than 100 projects over the 5 years).

Brodskaya’s work has been featured in dozens of magazines and books including D&AD annual, Illusive: Contemporary Illustration 3, Computer Arts and Creative Review magazines, among others.